SOCIAL MATURITY AND PERSONAL VALUES: KEY FACTORS IN YOUNG PEOPLE’S PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This article explores the interrelationships between young people’s transitions from adolescence to adulthood and from the educational environment to the professional one, while focusing on social maturity and the integration of personal values into professional identity development. The study uses an exploratory design and statistical methods as it investigates how social maturity and personal values influence the professional choices of young people in the Republic of Moldova. The research aims to identify the interconnections between these elements and their impact on the transition from school to work. The hypotheses suggest significant correlations between social maturity and professional identification, between personal values and professional identity, as well as the specific differences of gender and educational context. Participants, coming from the university environment and post-secondary vocational technical education, have been assessed with respect to social maturity, personal values, and professional identity by making use of validated tools. The results indicate that social maturity and the values of education and professional life are essential for the formation of professional identity. Additionally, the study highlights the role of educational and counselling interventions in promoting a well-founded professional identity. Recommendations include the integration of personal and professional development programs in educational institutions, counselling improvement, and the facilitaton of practical experiences. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the complex factors that influence young people’s success during the critical transition stages. The study’s limitations, such as its cross-sectional nature and the insufficient representativeness for data generalization, suggest the need for further research to deepen the understanding of the transition dynamics from education to career.